The ranks of campaigners fighting to save two York swimming pools from the axe have been bolstered by a York women's group.

Members of Soroptimist International of York, an organisation for professional and business women, have leapt to the defence of the Barbican and Yearsley pools, where many of them swim regularly.

They are stunned that City of York Council is considering proposals to shut the pools as part of a major shake-up of leisure services and have given their backing to the Evening Press Save Our Swim campaign.

Although a non-swimmer herself, Soroptimist president Sylvia Rooke appreciates how much of a blow shutting the pools would be.

She said: "Closing the pools would be a great loss to us as a group and to a whole cross-section of the community in York. The Barbican is the only pool on the south side of York that is within walking distance of the city centre and Yearsley serves a wide area. It is vital that both pools are kept open as they are such valuable community resources."

The council has said the review, expected to be discussed at next week's policy and resources committee, will not now be completed in time.

But its findings are expected to be made public in the near future.

If you wish to support the Evening Press Save Our Swim campaign to protect both the Barbican and Yearsley pools, please write to us at: Save Our Swim, Evening Press Newsdesk, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or e-mail us at newsdesk@ycp.co.uk

To find out more about our campaign visit the Evening Press website at www.thisisyork.co.uk

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